National Day

National Linguine Day

Celebrated on 09/15/2026

Quick Fact

Linguine, which means 'little tongues' in Italian, is a flat pasta similar to fettuccine but narrower. National Linguine Day is celebrated annually on September 15th, encouraging pasta lovers to enjoy this versatile noodle with various sauces.

Origins and Establishment of National Linguine Day

National Linguine Day was created in the United States by the National Pasta Association (NPA) in the early 2000s as part of a campaign to promote pasta consumption. The date September 15th was chosen to fall during National Italian Heritage Month, celebrating the cultural significance of pasta in Italian cuisine. The NPA aimed to highlight linguine's unique shape and its ability to pair well with both light and hearty sauces.

Evolution and Modern Commemoration

Over the years, National Linguine Day has grown beyond a simple promotional event. It is now embraced by restaurants, home cooks, and food bloggers who share recipes and host pasta-making events. Social media plays a key role, with hashtags like #NationalLinguineDay trending annually. Modern celebrations often feature fusion dishes, such as linguine with Asian-inspired sauces, reflecting the pasta's adaptability. Many Italian-American communities also use the day to honor their heritage with traditional recipes like linguine alle vongole (with clams).

Facts & General Observations

  • Over 1.5 million pounds of linguine are sold in the United States each week, according to industry data.
  • Linguine originated in the coastal regions of Liguria and Campania in Italy, where it was traditionally served with pesto or seafood.
  • The word 'linguine' first appeared in English cookbooks in the 1920s, but the pasta itself dates back to at least the 18th century.

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